Kinbrae Lake

How big is Kinbrae Lake?

How deep is Kinbrae Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Kinbrae Lake?

What are the closest cities to Kinbrae Lake?

Are there boat launches on Kinbrae Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Kinbrae Lake?

INTRODUCTION

Kinbrae Lake, located near the town of Kinbrae in Nobles County, is a class 43 lake. Immigration of fish into Kinbrae Lake rarely happens as there is little connection to downstream waterways. In fact, based on historical records, Kinbrae Lake has never had common carp which is further documentation of the lack of connectivity to downstream waterways. Kinbrae Lake has been surveyed 4 times by DNR Fisheries going back to 1994. A survey was conducted during the first week of June in 2012 with gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing.

NORTHERN PIKE

The northern pike catch per unit effort (CPUE) in gill nets was 2.0 fish per set, which was lower than the 2006 survey of 4.3 fish per set. Total lengths of northern pike ranged from 22 to 25 inches and averaged 23 inches. Northern pike fingerlings (approximately 1,200 fish each time) have been stocked in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Northern pike fingerlings are stocked in even numbered years but local production in 2012 was a bust due to drought so no fingerlings were stocked. Given the stocking records and typical growth of northern pike in the Windom Area, it is likely that the fish caught in 2012 are from the 2010 stocking. Given the yellow perch numbers in the survey, it would appear there is ample forage even though water clarity can be low at times limiting the northern pike's ability to find prey.

YELLOW PERCH

Yellow perch numbers have never been higher in Kinbrae Lake. The total catch in gill nets in 2012 averaged 40.0 fish per set compared to 25.3 fish per set in 2006. Total lengths ranged from 5 to 9 inches with an average size of 7 inches. It is likely if you are targeting yellow perch, you may need to put up with catching some smaller fish until you get some "keepers".

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Largemouth numbers were as expected but lower than the 2006 survey. Total lengths of largemouth bass ranged from 6 to 16 inches with an average size of 10 inches. Surprisingly there were 7 age groups of largemouth bass based on ageing data from scales collected. There is some error with ageing scales, but 7 different ages present does indicate that there is some natural reproduction occurring with good survival of largemouth bass through winter. If winterkill does occur on Kinbrae, it would most likely occurs first with the largemouth because they are very sensitive to low dissolved oxygen. Anglers definitely have a chance of catching largemouth bass in Kinbrae Lake.

WALLEYE

Walleye numbers have not changed substantially since the 2006 survey despite several stockings of walleye fingerlings. Nearly 3000 walleye fingerlings have been stocked since 2006. The 2006 survey sampled 2.3 walleye per gill net compared to 3.0 walleye per gill net in 2012. So although the number of walleye is better, it is not substantially better. All of the walleye sampled were greater than 16.5 inches and age analysis indicates they were from the 2007 stocking. The next stocking will be in the fall of 2013. If an angler catches a walleye in Kinbrae, it will likely be a nice "keeper" walleye.

BLUEGILL

Bluegill numbers are similar to years past but the pumpkinseed numbers are up. Total lengths of pumpkinseed range from 3.5 to 8.5 inches and had an average size of 6 inches. Sunfish can be caught in Kinbrae but the odds are high that you will catch a pumpkinseed before a bluegill.

BLACK CRAPPIE

Prior to the 2012 survey, a total of only 10 black crappie had been sampled in trap nets and gill nets combined during all historical surveys. The black crappie catch rate in trap nets in 2012 was 12.8 fish per set which was twice the expected catch rate. DNR Fisheries has not stocked black crappie and they are likely a result of illegal stocking. Total lengths of black crappie ranged from 5 to 11 inches with an average of 8 inches. There are some nice black crappie in Kinbrae that would likely provide some good fishing at times.

SUMMARY

To maintain a healthy fishery in Summit Lake; we need to promote Best Management Practices (BMP's) within the watershed to help reduce nutrients entering the lake. High nutrients and sediments in a lake can cause algae blooms and reduce water clarity which can decimate fish populations and lead to carp and bullhead dominated lakes. Any improvement within the watershed will go a long way toward improving the fish community in the lake.


Prepared by Ryan Doorenbos

What is the average air temp for Kinbrae Lake?

Are there any state parks near Kinbrae Lake?